NEWCASTLE United and Sunderland are among 16 clubs to apply for places in the new FA Women’s Super League, the FA have confirmed.

Subject to clubs meeting the required criteria, an optimum eight licences will be offered to the strongest applicants by March.

That will give all clubs a full 12 months to prepare for the launch of The League in the spring of 2011. Arsenal, Barnet, Birmingham City, Bristol Academy, Chelsea, Colchester United, Doncaster Rovers, Everton, Leeds Carnegie, Leicester City, OOH Lincoln, Liverpool, Millwall and Nottingham Forest are the other clubs to express an interest.

The FA’s chief executive, Ian Watmore, said: “We are delighted with the number of bids we have received from clubs.

“This is a very strong indication of the vision we have of creating an elite league which will take our domestic game to a higher level is shared by many people within women’s football.

“We now have to work hard to ensure we have a comprehensive and thorough review process of all bids received.”

FOUR Newcastle United players have made the ECFA women’s national squad.

Sarah Eadon (defence), Jane Latif (midfield), Steph Eadon (midfield) and Beth Gardener (forward) will play fixtures against Australia Schools and Welsh colleges before embarking on a short tour towards the end of the season.

United’s head coach Mel Reay said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the girls.

“They will be part of a squad made up of the best college players across the country.”

:: NEWCASTLE United’s FA Women’s Premer League against Preston North End at Bamber Bridge tomorrow hs been postponed.